Church Bulletin - May 13, 2001 - Sunday of the Samaritan Woman

Honor Thy Mother

Sunday of the Samaritan Woman - May 13, 2001
[ Click here for the Bible readings: Acts 11:19-30; Jn 4:5-42 ]

"MEN ARE WHAT THEIR MOTHERS MAKE THEM"

Today, our nation pauses to celebrate MOTHER'S DAY. More cards are sold ...more flowers sent ...more long distance phone calls made on this day than on any other holiday. Whether our mother is living or departed, this is a day for remembering the precious memories of "Mom" that can never be taken away from us. One can hardly look back at the innocent days of our youth without fond thoughts of her.

Mother's Day is also a day to reflect upon the multitude of roles a mother is asked to play as she raises her children. She is a TEACHER. Indeed, a mother teachers her children their first lessons in faith. She teaches them to pray. She teaches them to follow Christ's example. If we attend church regularly today ...if we receive the Sacraments frequently ...if the Ten Commandments are still important to us, it is probably due to our mother's influence.

A mother is a HOMEMAKER. While some "working mothers" may take offense at this term, we can give a mother no greater compliment than to credit her with "making a home" for her family. Without a mother's love, sacrifice and devotion, many of our homes would have merely been houses - empty shells.

Someone once calculated that if a mother were to be paid for all of her services rendered: physician, counselor, psychologist, cook, seamstress and "taxi driver," her annual salary would be in the neighborhood of $500,000! Every good mother, however, would gladly trade that for the priceless pleasure of seeing her children grow into responsible, respectable adults. In the words of Emerson: "MEN ARE WHAT THEIR MOTHERS MAKE THEM."

Special Message for the day...

"The Samaritan woman, once confirmed in faith, moved unhesitatingly. She even left her water jar behind (symbol of former faith?) The word of Jesus is destined for the world. The woman received her faith in the marketplace and she took it to the marketplace. Missionaries are not a select group in the church. Every Christian is called to bring the perspectives of faith to everyday situations as diverse as they are numerous. The woman was accepted by Jesus in her sinful state. She was gifted with an understanding of who it was who spoke to her. The only thing that remained was for her to bring that word to others."

References:

RESURRECTION APOLYTIKION

From the angel, the women disciples of the Lord heard the joyful news of the Resurrection and the repeal of the sentence imposed upon our forefathers. With pride, they said to the Apostles, "Death is vanquished. Christ our God is risen, bestowing upon the world His great mercy."

APOLYTIKION OF THE FEAST DAY

At midday in the feast, refresh my thirsty soul with the flowing waters of piety. For You cried out to all, O Savior, "Let him who thirsts come to me and drink." You, O Christ our God, are the Fountain of Life, glory to You.

APOLYTIKION OF SAINT NICHOLAS

An example of Faith and a life of humility, as a teacher of abstinence you did inspire and lead your flock and through your truthfulness of your deeds were exalted by greatness through your humility uplifting all and by poverty gaining wealth. Father and hierarch Nicholas intercede with Christ our God that our souls be saved.

KONTAKION

Though You went down into the tomb, You destroyed Hades' power, and rose the victor, Christ God. To the myrrh-bearing women, saying "Hail!" and granting peace to Your disciples, You are He Who raised up the fallen.

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
1260 Davis Street, San Jose, California 95126